How to Roll a Cross Joint Like a Pro

The exaggerated size of a joint was the gold standard in pot-comedy for thirty years after the 1978 Cheech and Chong classic Up in Smoke came out. That all changed when the movie Pineapple Express was released in 2008. In this stoner comedy, we first see the “cross joint” when James Franco pulls out a fat joint with arms, needing Seth Rogen to help him light it.

The joint has seemingly always been the iconic symbol for weed, but the creation of the cross joint takes it to a whole new level.

Basic knowledge of joint rolling is helpful when learning how to roll a cross joint. Practice makes perfect; any novice with adequate tools and supplies should be able to roll a cross joint reasonably well with enough patience.

In this article, we will talk about how to roll a cross joint.

What is a Cross Joint?

A cross joint is a cannabis joint where two joints come together to form a T-shape. It’s a cross formation that gives the distinctive smoking experience of smoking from multiple ends simultaneously.

The joint has a main, a large, and a small joint positioned to intersect it at a right angle. The small joint is inserted into the larger one by creating a hole to draw smoke out from both ends.

Cross joints are artistic and intricate, which often makes them stand out as a feature at intimate gatherings and social events. They are also usually seen in movies or shows where multiple people smoke together in a group setting.

So, how to roll a cross joint?

Rolling the joint is all about skill and practice. You cannot do it the right way at once. While it is a bit challenging, the rewards are worth it.

Things You Need to Roll

All good joints start with the proper tools. The supplies you need to roll a cross are not that different from what you would use to roll a regular joint. In both cases, quality papers, a good grinder, and well-cured weed are the keys to success. If you want to do things right, grab a rolling tray. This will help to contain all loose weed.

Here are some of the materials and tools you’ll need to roll the cross joint the right way.

Cannabis

First and foremost, you need your choice of the strain of cannabis. Ensure it is broken down or ground for easy rolling.

Rolling Paper

You need two kinds of paper: usually the larger one or standard-sized paper for the central joint, whereas small paper will do for the cross joint. King-sized papers, single white papers, and other sizes will work best for both.

Rolling papers come in all shapes, sizes, colors, flavors, and materials, and choosing the right paper can seem daunting.

Anyone who has watched their beautiful joint fall apart at the seams knows that a joint is only as strong as its glue.

Filter Tips

Filter tips are optional, but you can use small pieces of card or pre-made tips to increase the airflow and stabilize the joint.

Tools

You will also need different tools, including the grinder, to break down the cannabis. Then, scissors are required for cutting, rolling papers, etc., and the tamping tool is used to pack the joints lightly for an even burn.

Getting the right consistency grind is critical when rolling a cross joint. Even after using a grinder, remove any sharp pieces of stem or other woody bits that might poke through the rolling paper.

Optional Items

You will also need the rolling tray or a flat surface to roll the joint on and prevent the mess. If you have one, you can use a pen to make a hole in the main joint.

Joint Rolling Tips

Here are some tips on how to roll a cross joint the right way:

• When rolling a joint, make sure the glue strip is at the top of the paper facing you.
• The shape of the joint will be dictated by how you distribute the cannabis on the paper and where you squeeze the joint when rolling.
• Cone-shaped joints are more difficult to roll but smoke more smoothly than straight-rolled joints.
• If you want to include a filter, roll up a cardboard tip and put it in the mouth side of the joint. This will keep all of the weed inside the joint and out of your mouth.
• Roll the joint from the middle of the paper outward, letting your thumbs do the work.
• The most successful joints are firm but not too tight; you need to be able to draw smoke. Loose joints burn fast and unevenly.
• Pass it around to everyone in your group so everyone can enjoy the experience; however, be careful about holding it right.
• Do not pack cannabis too tightly to restrict the airflow.
• Take time to ensure the joint is rolled correctly.
• The water level should not be too high or too low.
• Rolling a cross joint requires a decent pile of ground flowers. Grinding up an eighth of weed (or more) should be a sufficient amount.

How to Roll a Cross Joint

Here’s the step-by-step way to roll a cross joint to get the most out of it.

Step 1: Roll a Fat Joint

First, roll a fat joint using the full-size rolling paper. Grind up your favorite strain of cannabis and stuff this joint full of much more bud than you would for a typical smoke session. The more cannabis in your joint, the easier the cross joint is to build.

This is the foundation of the cross-joint. The length and width of this joint will influence the size of the second joint. The diameter of the first joint needs to be able to accommodate another joint through it perpendicularly. The thickness of a marker is a good reference, though you can always go bigger.

When you roll up the joint, leaving the end a little empty is also important. This way, when you are ready to start smoking, it will be easier for you to light it up.

Step 2: Roll a Skinny Joint

Next, roll a thin joint to use as the “cross” section of your cross joint. Rolling a thinner joint makes it easier to assemble, while one closer in size to the larger joint makes for a more even burn. When finished, leave a twist at both ends of your thin joint.

Step 3: Make a Hole in the Fat Joint

Once the largest joint is rolled up, use a paper clip to make a hole through it from one side to the other. Locate the hole approximately 3/4 of the way from the base of the joint. Once the hole is made, work carefully to enlarge it to a size similar to that of the smaller joint. Do not make it too big, or else you will have to re-roll it.

Step 4: Make a Hole in the Skinny Joint

Be careful not to forget this step. Once the hole in the large joint is made, make a new hole in the center of the smaller joint. The hole does not have to be as big as the other joint, but it must be at least twice the size of the clip or needle used to make it.

This hole is important because it will allow air to flow from the joint’s tip to the back end. Forgetting this step will make rolling the cross joint almost impossible to smoke, as the ends will only burn, and you will not be able to inhale the smoke into your lungs.

Step 5: Connect the Two Joints

Once the holes are made, insert the smaller joint through the hole of the larger joint. Ensure the holes you made in the smaller joint are aligned inside the larger joint. For this step, it is recommended that this joint be as small as possible, especially if it is your first time doing it, so it is easier for you.

Step 6: Seal the Joints Together

Once the two joints are in the shape of a cross, cut or rip the glue strip off of two other rolling papers to wrap the center of the rolling cross joint, sealing them both to prevent smoke from escaping. Wrap them in diagonal directions to ensure they are secure.

Conclusion

Rolled joints bring a fun twist to your gatherings, casual meetups or dates. Moreover, since it’s not something you can learn off the hook, it also shows your skills and creativity.

Now that you know how to roll a cross joint, enjoy and immerse yourself in the experience. But remember, practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting and building your social circle along with it.